Sports world was rocked by JFK's death

3:22 PM,
Nov. 22, 2013

Against background of flags, President John F. Kennedy tosses coin Dec. 1, 1962 at Philadelphia Stadium prior to start of 63rd Army-Navy football game. At right is Navy team captain Steve Hoy, a guard. At left is Army captain John Ellerson, an end. Navy won toss and elected to receive and won the game thanks to the brilliant play of Ohio native Roger Staubach.

Written by

Larry Phillips
CentralOhio.com

The assassination of John F. Kennedy stunned the national sports landscape, mirroring the feeling of the nation.

His final day, Nov. 22, 1963, fell on a Friday, and leaders of the sports world, like everyone else, were caught off-guard and seemed hesitant to react to the shocking news.

Postponement of the traditional Ohio State-Michigan game wasn't announced until 10 a.m. the morning of the game. The Buckeyes were staying in a Ypsilanti motel and headed for the stadium when they were informed the contest would be delayed a week. The Ohio Highway Patrol was contacted in Mansfield to turn ...